Senator Jinggoy Estrada has filed a resolution calling for a formal Senate investigation into the persistent killings of land and environmental defenders in the Philippines.
The move follows a report by international watchdog Global Witness, which ranked the country as the deadliest in Asia for environmental advocates for the 13th consecutive year.
Through Senate Resolution No. 697, Estrada urged lawmakers to review the findings of the Global Witness 2026 report and formulate legislative measures to secure better protection for individuals safeguarding their lands and natural resources.
“We must not turn a blind eye, especially since this continues to happen: ordinary people—who were merely defending their land, livelihoods, and the environment—have ended up sacrificing their lives. This should not be happening,” Estrada said.
Global Witness documented at least 124 killings of environmental defenders worldwide in 2025. Of that total, the Philippines accounted for 12 cases—the highest recorded toll outside Latin America. The country tied with Honduras for the third-highest global tally, following Colombia with 39 cases and Brazil with 26.
Among the 12 Filipino victims recorded last year, six were Indigenous peoples, three were small-scale farmers, and one was a journalist. The report also noted five killings where members of the Philippine military were suspected of involvement, including the case of 65-year-old farmer Veronico Anterio, who was allegedly shot by soldiers after speaking out against restrictive local movement and work hours.
Furthermore, the document drew attention to the pervasive use of criminalization and “red-tagging”—the practice of labeling advocates as communist insurgents or terrorists—which leaves environmental defenders exposed to severe threats and harassment.
Between 2012 and 2024, Global Witness tracked 306 killings and disappearances of defenders across the Philippines.
Estrada emphasized that these recurring tragedies raise serious concerns regarding the nation’s adherence to international human rights obligations and its primary duty to protect citizens from violence.
He noted that a legislative inquiry will help evaluate existing safeguards and address critical gaps in current laws.
“More than a decade has passed, yet the killings continue. Those responsible must be held accountable, and justice must be served to the victims and their family,” Estrada said.